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Drafthouse Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Drafthouse information

See California salary details

$13

$28

$66

How much do drafthouse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for drafthouse in California is $28.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $34.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working at a drafthouse, and how can they be addressed?

Working at a drafthouse, whether in a service, kitchen, or management role, often involves balancing a fast-paced environment with high guest expectations. Employees regularly coordinate food and beverage service during movie screenings, which requires excellent communication and attention to detail to avoid disruptions. Common challenges include handling large crowds during peak showtimes and managing quick turnarounds between screenings. Building strong teamwork and staying organized are key strategies to overcome these challenges, and most drafthouses offer thorough training and support to help staff succeed.

What is the difference between Drafthouse vs Film Projectionist?

AspectDrafthouseFilm Projectionist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, food service experience, possibly alcohol service certificationTechnical training, certification in film projection equipment
Work EnvironmentMovie theaters, entertainment venues, often fast-paced and customer-focusedProjection booths, technical settings, focus on equipment operation
Industry UsageHospitality, entertainment, food and beverageFilm industry, cinema, entertainment venues
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Drafthouse and a Film Projectionist lies in their roles and environments. A Drafthouse typically involves customer service, food and beverage operations, and entertainment management, while a Film Projectionist focuses on operating and maintaining projection equipment in cinemas. Both roles require specific skills and certifications, but they serve different functions within the entertainment industry.

What is a Drafthouse?

A Drafthouse is a type of movie theater that typically offers both film screenings and a selection of food and drinks, often including craft beers on tap. These establishments provide a unique cinema experience by allowing patrons to enjoy meals and beverages while watching movies, usually in a more relaxed and comfortable setting compared to traditional theaters. Some Drafthouses, like the Alamo Drafthouse, are also known for hosting special events, themed screenings, and enforcing strict policies to enhance the viewing experience. The combination of dining and entertainment makes Drafthouses popular for moviegoers seeking something beyond the standard theater experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drafthouse Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drafthouse Manager, you need strong leadership, hospitality management experience, and a good understanding of food and beverage operations, often backed by a degree in hospitality or business. Familiarity with POS systems, inventory management software, and health and safety regulations is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills set top managers apart in this role. These skills ensure efficient operations, high customer satisfaction, and compliance with industry standards in a dynamic entertainment and dining environment.
What are popular job titles related to Drafthouse jobs in California? For Drafthouse jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Drafthouse job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,794 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Assistant General Manager

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Mountain View, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Compensation Range:
$80,000.00 - $90,000.00
Plus Incentive Bonus based on Performance
Location:
2575 California St Suite 601, Mountain View, California, 94040
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is looking for an experienced Assistant General Manager who wants to join us in our Mission; To Ensure EVERY Guest and Teammate Has An AWESOME Experience And Is EXCITED To Come Back. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is an industry leader in the Dine-In Theater space. We are a place for movies, special presentations & programs, creative and delicious food (made from our scratch kitchen), and beverages of all sorts, all under one roof!
The Assistant General Manager is a champion of their people and a brand representative who aligns with and reinforces the company values, goals, and mission statement while ensuring Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas' standards of quality and service are achieved consistently. They are also responsible for developing their people to achieve the efficient and profitable execution of operations within the venue while creating an AWESOME WORK EXPERIENCE for their teams.
WHAT WE OFFER
  • A fun workplace where you can be yourself and do awesome work!
  • Free movies & food
  • Paid time off
  • Competitive pay
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, and voluntary benefits are available for all full-time and part-time teammates

OUR MISSION:
To Ensure EVERY Guest and Teammate Has An AWESOME Experience And Is EXCITED To Come Back
CORE ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Grow Revenue + Control Costs
  • Partner with the General Manager on the analysis of the P&L each period and collaboratively identify areas of opportunity to maximize efficiency.
  • In partnership with the General Manager, oversee and ensure proper cash handling procedures are followed, including safe counts, petty cash, and bank drops.

Optimize the Guest Experience
  • Uphold high-quality standards of the facility and equipment.
  • Responsible for the smooth and efficient daily operations under the General Manager with the business acumen of understanding long- term growth goals of the venue and helping provide guidance around strategic decisions.
  • Deliver an unparalleled guest experience through the best combination of food, drinks, and entertainment in an ideal environment for celebrating all-out fun.
  • Maintain a safe and secure environment for all guests and staff.

Lead Your Team
  • Lead, mentor, and develop salaried managers.
  • In partnership with the General Manager, develop and grow a team with a goal of building a succession bench and increasing engagement and retention.
  • Cultivate a team environment and foster a sense of community among the team that provides exceptional guest service and ensures all teammates perform at a consistently high level.
  • Lead and influence staff through effective motivation (having FUN) and leveraging individual strengths to ensure guest satisfaction and maximum productivity.
  • Select and develop Certified Trainers for more responsibility or internal promotability into the management program.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Successful track record of managing high-volume, multi-faceted, and fast-paced operations.
  • At least 3 years of successful management experience in the Restaurant, and/or "Eatertainment" industry in a similar role.
  • Solid demonstrated experience managing financial and P&L responsibilities.
  • Base knowledge of Legal and HR issues related to the hospitality industry, including liquor, labor, and health codes/statutes.
  • Basic computer knowledge (Microsoft Office and G-Suite) and office skills required
  • Demonstrated knowledge and execution of current operating standards.
  • Strong communication skills; ability to write and verbally communicate in a clear and concise manner.
  • Has a heart of hospitality and a passion for building a successful and joyful work environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to execute light lifting and transport items medium distances, up to 50 lbs
  • Must be able to stand in one place for extended periods
  • Able to walk up and down stairs many times over a course of hours
  • Positions oneself to duck out of view of the guests in the theaters
  • Operates POS entry using touchscreen devices.
  • Comfortable being in a kitchen environment, housed with equipment including an oven, stove, dishwasher, slicer, fryer, steamer, mixer, and chef's knives.
  • Also, frequent exposure to heat, steam, fire, and noise.
  • Ability to climb stairs

OUR CORE VALUES:
DO THE RIGHT THING
We strive to be a force of good in our company, in our industry and in the world. We stand up for our beliefs even when it is hard. We start from a place of kindness.
FOSTER COMMUNITY
We value what is unique about each other and celebrate our differences. We treat each other with respect, support each other's passions, and help each other grow. We welcome healthy debate but don't tolerate intolerance. We take this commitment outside our 4 walls, creating neighborhood theaters that are deeply tied to the local community.
BOLDLY GO
Like the crew of the Starship Enterpriseโ„ข, we seek out new experiences and pursue innovation in all of our work. We take risks and chart new territory. We learn from our mistakes and continuously improve.
GIVE A SH!T
We are passionate about creating awesome experiences. We obsess over every detail and take pride in our work because we know it makes all the difference to our guests and our teammates. Our pursuit of excellence drives us to do our best.
Company: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema